Emirates airline restarts flights between Dubai and the Philippines

The company is once again flying regularly to Manila, Clark and Cebu, and will operate two repatriation flights in September

A passenger at Manila's International Airport. Upon arrival in Manila, a 10-day hotel quarantine period will apply, followed by a further four days in mandatory home quarantine. AP

Travellers hoping to fly between Dubai and the Philippines now have more options for flying between the two destinations as Emirates airline has resumed flights to three Filipino cities.

The Dubai airline is now operating seven flights per week from its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Manila via a Boeing 777-300ER. Flights to the Philippines capital are back on Emirates's schedule after the country lifted a travel ban on passengers flying from the UAE.

Flights will operate with both business and economy class, however there are limited economy class fares available for the nine-hour journey over the coming weeks. One-way business class fares start from Dh7,310 ($1,990).

Emirates is also operating to Clark and Cebu from Dubai.

There are five weekly flights to Clark International Airport, north of Manila. For travellers looking to fly to the Cebu archipelago, Emirates is operating two flights per week. Both services have first class, business and economy cabins on-board and are operated via a Boeing 777.

One-off special flights for Filipino citizens

In addition to resuming regularly scheduled services to the Philippines, Emirates is also set to operate two additional flights in September, solely for Filipino citizens.

The airline has obtained approval from the country's Department of Foreign Affairs to operate flight EK332 to Manila this Saturday and again on Saturday, September 25.

These special flights are designed to provide additional capacity for Filipinos who wish to fly home. Anyone who wants to book a seat on one of these flights must be a Filipino citizen and have a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding.

Upon arrival in Manila, a 10-day hotel quarantine period will apply, followed by a further four days in mandatory home quarantine. Emirates will coordinate with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Philippines Department of Tourism to designate hotels to travellers. Anyone wishing to book a seat on one of these flights can do so by calling [phone].

Can I travel to the Philippines as a tourist?

The Philippines is not yet open for tourism purposes. People allowed to enter the country include Filipino citizens, foreign spouses and parents or children of Filipino citizens with valid visas.

Any international traveller wishing to fly to the country must have a valid and existing visa, or have an entry exemption document.

All passengers booked to travel to the Philippines are required to register their details via the One Health Pass portal. A form is needed for every person travelling, including children.

This travel guide to the Philippines has more information on what travellers must do before flying, including what PCR tests are needed and details on how long people must quarantine upon arrival.